Arch NAND Flash Memory Array With Improved Virtual Source/Drain Performance

In this letter, a novel SONOS NAND Flash memory array featuring arch-shaped silicon fin and extended word lines (WL) is proposed to improve virtual source/drain (VSD) performance. The arch shape concentrates electric field, resulting in higher electron concentration at the VSD region and higher on -state cell current. In addition, the extended WL process improves the short-channel-effect (SCE) immunity and I - V characteristics. To verify these, an arch VSD NAND array device was fabricated and characterized. The integrated device shows very small SCE while obtaining high on-state cell current. Program and disturbance characteristics of the device are also confirmed.